Name a common rooting hormone used to promote root initiation on cuttings, and name one alternative.

Name a common rooting hormone used to promote root initiation on cuttings, and name one alternative.

• A. Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA); alternative: Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)
• B. Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA); alternative: Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)
• C. Gibberellic acid; alternative: IBA
• D. Cytokinin; alternative: NAA

Answer: (A)

Root initiation on cuttings is driven by auxins, which signal cells at the cut surface to form new roots. Indole-3-butyric acid is a widely used rooting hormone because it is stable, effective across many plant species, and readily formulated into powders, gels, or liquids to reliably stimulate root formation and develop a robust root system. An excellent alternative is Naphthaleneacetic acid, another synthetic auxin that can promote rooting in many of the same situations, though its effectiveness can vary by species and formulation. While indole-3-acetic acid is the natural auxin, it is less stable and less practical for commercial rooting applications.

Root initiation on cuttings is driven by auxins, which signal cells at the cut surface to form new roots. Indole-3-butyric acid is a widely used rooting hormone because it is stable, effective across many plant species, and readily formulated into powders, gels, or liquids to reliably stimulate root formation and develop a robust root system. An excellent alternative is Naphthaleneacetic acid, another synthetic auxin that can promote rooting in many of the same situations, though its effectiveness can vary by species and formulation. While indole-3-acetic acid is the natural auxin, it is less stable and less practical for commercial rooting applications.